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An eNewsletter from Church of the Holy Comforter
| February 19, 2015
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Kids' Club
This Friday, February 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Kids' Club is a fellowship opportunity for children in 3rd through 6th Grade. We will share a meal and participate in a church-wide treasure hunt. Children are encouraged to bring friends. A donation of $5 per child is appreciated to cover costs. Questions? Please contact Lisa Arthur. |
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Lenten Quiet Morning
This Saturday, February 21
9:00 a.m.-Noon, Chapel
 Spend this time exploring the creation and use of prayer beads as part of our Christian and Episcopal tradition, facilitated by Janice Fitts and the Prayer Bead Ministry of Washington. You will go home with your own set of beautiful Prayer Beads. Children and young adults are welcome and encouraged. Come as a family! Refreshments will be provided. A donation of $5 is being asked to pay for supplies. Questions? Please contact the Rev. Valerie Hayes. |
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Taiz� Contemplative Worship
This Sunday, February 22, 5 p.m., Chapel
 Holy Comforter's Music Ministry sponsors monthly evening services in a contemplative style, offering a unique opportunity to decompress and prepare for the week ahead. Taiz� contemplative worship is a powerful and moving combination of song and Scripture featuring lush greenery, incense, candles, icons, and considerable time spent in silent meditation. For more information, contact David Kelley. |
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Sacrament of Reconciliation During Lent
It is the clergy's tradition to make themselves available during Lent for anyone who would like to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Learn more about the Rite of Reconciliation through the link HERE. To make an appointment, email one of the clergy using the links below or call the Church Office at 703-938-6521.
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Celebrating Blessings
Embracing Opportunities
Download the Holy Comforter 2014 Annual Report HERE.
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Electronic giving offers convenience for individual congregation members and provides much-needed donation consistency for our congregation. Simply access online giving through the "Give Now" button Holy Comforter website.
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 Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Church of The Holy Comforter whenever you click and shop HERE. Share the link with family and friends too!
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Stewardship 2015: Walking the Way
Your pledge, however large or small, keeps our doors and hearts open and our many ministries and outreach efforts alive. Pledge online HERE.
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Goal: $1,200,000
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Pledges: 730 mailed
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Where is that Pictorial Directory?
It's in the works! Photos have been taken and we are working at getting the most accurate contact information to Lifetouch. Before February 23, please check your information in the Church Database, which you can access HERE. If you have any questions please contact Peggy Miller in the Church Office.
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Sanctuary Renovations Complete!
Visit the Holy Comforter website to revisit the progress of renovations that began in September 2014 and view pictures of the evolution.
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 Sanctuary Chandeliers
The Sanctuary Chandeliers, which were removed during the renovation, are now available for recycling on a first-come, first-served basis. The approximate dimensions are 32" high x 12" in diameter. A total of 10 fixtures are available. Please contact Cathy Foust, Facilities Manager, BEFORE February 28, if you are interested. Donation for the fixtures will be gratefully accepted.
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 Healing Eucharist Sunday, March 1, 5:00 p.m., Chapel
On the first Sunday of the month, Holy Comforter offers a Healing Eucharist with the Laying on of Hands and Anointing for healing. The Healing Ministry is being led by the Rev. Valerie Hayes and Ms. Alexandra MacCracken and includes a team of lay healers who have gone through intentional training and formation. Questions? Contact the Rev. Valerie Hayes. |
 Stephen Ministry Cares!
Is life feeling overwhelming at the moment? Have you experienced or are you anticipating a loss or transition? Are you facing a difficult decision? You may find the support of a Stephen Minister helpful during this period of time. Stephen Ministers are congregation members trained to offer high-quality, one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. If you would like more information, please contact the Rev. Valerie Hayes.
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Save the Date! Summer Choir Camp
August 24-28, and August 30
All children entering second grade or above are eligible for this week of singing, musical learning, friendship, and fun. $100 fee includes lunches, recreational activities, music education based on the Royal School of Church Music curriculum, and a cool camp t-shirt! Questions? Please contact David Kelley. |
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Adult Christian Formation
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Adult Forum: On Prayer - What is Prayer?
This Sunday, February 22, 10:10 a.m., Chapel
Join us in our conversations on Prayer during Lent. Ask ten people to define prayer and you might get ten different answers, but there is no "right" or "wrong" way to pray. Join our Lenten Forum Series as we explore prayer in the context of our Christian and Episcopal traditions and practices. Many resources will be discussed and made available. Questions? Contact the Rev. Valerie Hayes. |
Sunday, March 1
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On Prayer - The Daily Offices
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Sunday, March 8
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On Prayer - Prayer Beads and Icons
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Sunday, March 15
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On Prayer - Praying with your Pen: Writing and Coloring
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 Brown Bag Lunch & Book Study Beginning Wednesday, February 25
12:45-1:30 p.m., McGill Hall
Join us on Wednesdays during Lent for a Brown Bag Lunch & Book Study from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. in McGill Hall, after the 12:10 Holy Eucharist. This year we will be reading a book by Thomas G. Long: What Shall We Say? Evil, Suffering and the Crisis of Faith. The book is available through Amazon Smile HERE and in the Cloister Shop. Questions? Contact the Rev. Valerie Hayes. |
 Adult Bible Study: The Story - Continues During Lent Sundays, 10:10-10:50 a.m., Lillian Croy Room
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00 p.m., Library
The Adult Bible Study will continue on both Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings during the season of Lent. Questions? Contact the Rev. Valerie Hayes. |
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Making a Difference:
Click the link above for the second issue of Holy Comforter's Outreach eNewsletter.
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 Our Daily Bread March 8 Deliveries
Our next set of deliveries to 30 Our Daily Bread client families will be on March 8, 2015. We welcome your contributions of non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies, and toiletries at our display in the Narthex. We are in particular need of toiletries (shampoo, deodorant, soap, toothpaste) and cleaning supplies of all kinds, which are not covered by SNAP/food stamp assistance. Download a complete list of needed items HERE. We also welcome monetary donations so that families can purchase fresh grocery items. If you have questions about our parish's Our Daily Bread ministry or would like to help with our March deliveries (filling grocery bags, organizing, shopping, or delivering), please contact Susan McGuire or Chris Ostendorff. We are grateful for volunteers of all ages!
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Samaritan Ministry's Next Step Breakfast
Wednesday, March 4, National Press Club
7:30-8 a.m. Registration
8-9 a.m. Breakfast and Program
Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington's Next Step Breakfast is a major donor event that introduces Samaritan Ministry to those in the wider community who may not know of our work. Holy Comforter has been a Partner Parish since 1988. Join us for this one hour inspirational event to hear about the vital and life-changing work of Samaritan Ministry reflected in the lives of the participants in our Next Step program. The event is also intended as a fundraiser, but there is no minimum (or maximum!). The event will end promptly at 9 a.m. You may register in advance by email HERE or by phone at 202-722-2280 ext 305. Questions? Email Ben Gregg or call 703-938-3291. |
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Children's & Student Ministries
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Hogwarts VBS Returns
July 27-31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Registration for returning students opens this Sunday, February 22 Registration for new students opens March 15
Hogwarts VBS will return to Holy Comforter this summer for one week only. Because we are only able to accept 130 children, we expect the camp to fill quickly. Registration will be open to returning students only from February 22 to March 15. Registration will be open to new students beginning March 16. Spots will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration forms for students and prefects will be available in the Narthex, church office and upon request by email to Lisa Arthur. |
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Study of the Holy Eucharist Continues
This Sunday, February 22, 10:10 a.m. during Sunday School
This 8-week special Sunday School lesson series for 1st Graders and children new to Holy Comforter is designed to introduce them to the important rituals and meaning of the Eucharist as well as other parts of our liturgy. February 22
| Lesson on Vestments with Mother Valerie
| March 1
| Music and the Liturgy with David Kelley
| March 8
| Seder Meal (Young Saints through 5th/6th Grade)
| March 15
| Instructed Eucharist (1st through 5th/6th Grade)
| March 22
| Recognition Ceremony and Reception
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 Christian Seder Meal
Sunday, March 8, 10:10-10:50 a.m., McGill Hall
All Sunday School classes will participate in a modified Seder Meal that teaches both the ancient Jewish Passover custom and its relevance to our Eucharist rituals. Within the next week, all Sunday School parents will receive an email requesting donations of a number of the food items that will be served. Questions? Please contact Lisa Arthur. |
Children's Lenten Devotionals
Several different age level Lenten Devotionals are available in the Narthex for families looking for a new way to get into the spirit of Lent. A donation of $2 per booklet is appreciated.
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Children's Lenten Challenge
Age level activity booklets containing lots of Bible and church trivia are available in the Narthex and Sunday School classrooms. Children who complete the booklet and turn it in to Lisa Arthur on the Sunday after Easter (April 12) will receive a small prize.
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Student Ministries eNewsletter
Check out the latest issue of the Holy Comforter Youth Newsletter HERE. Find out what the youth of Holy Comforter have been up to the last few months! One of our youth shares her own story of how service work matters during the Christmas season. If you have any questions about Student Ministries, please contact Mother Margaret.
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Senior Saints BYO Lunch
Friday, March 6, 11:45 a.m., McGill Hall
Our entertainment will be a piano duet of beautiful classical music by David Lang and Tordis Fahringer of the Reston Chorale. Bring your own lunch. Dessert and beverages will be provided. If you would like to volunteer to bring a dessert, have questions, or need a ride, please email Barbara Fitzsimmons or call 703-433-0987. |
Save the Date! 2015 Women's Retreat
April 10-12 at Shrine Mont
Watch for more details coming soon.
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Save the Date! 2015 Men's Retreat
April 24-26 at Shrine Mont
The men of Holy Comforter will be gathering for their annual retreat April 24 through 26 at Shrine Mont. Father Randy Haycock, currently Priest-in-Charge at St. Anne's in Scottsdale, VA, will be our retreat leader. Father Haycock recently spent 3 years as Chaplain at Walter Reed Medical Center and while there, developed a monthly "Pilgrimage of Remembrance and Healing" to the Washington National Cathedral in DC for wounded warriors who had lost their "battle buddies." Bishop Ted referred to this as the "Wounded Warrior Program" when he led our retreat last year. All men of the parish are invited for a weekend of fun, relaxation, and renewal. Newcomers and first-timers are especially encouraged to attend. Registration will begin in early March; more details will be provided then. Please email Randy McGuire or call 703-716-0241 for more information. |
Every Monday a list of about a dozen Pennywise items is posted on Craigslist. Visit the Craigslist DC website and type "Pennywise" or "Holy Comforter" in the search box to see all the things that are listed for the week. Check it out!
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Volunteer at Pennywise Thrift Shop!
Front Desk:
 2nd Tuesday - 10 a.m. to noon
1st Thursday - 10 a.m. to noon
2nd Thursday - noon to 2 p.m.
3rd Friday - 10 a.m. to noon
Consignment:
1st Thursday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
4th Thursday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
5th Wednesday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
2nd Friday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
5th Friday - 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Limited child care is available for volunteers. Questions? Contact Frances Sullinger.
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Join the Corps of Counters!
Join the dedicated crew of parishioners who count the offerings and make sure they are deposited in the bank in a timely manner. You would serve one Sunday a month, with another trained counter and a Vestry member. In about an hour the receipts are counted and prepared for deposit. Training and guidelines provided. Please contact Phil Allard or Pat Bruce to volunteer or for more information.
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Volunteer for Coffee Hour!
Volunteers make Coffee Hour possible. Individuals, families, and groups are encouraged to email Chris Doyle or call 703-255-6135 for more information.
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Message from the CHC Endowment Board
Three quarters of the people in this country die without valid wills. Do you know why? Procrastination! Don't wait! And don't forget Holy Comforter's Endowment Fund.
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Publication Guidelines and Timeline
Find general publication guidelines and a link to submit articles HERE.
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Church of the Holy Comforter, 543 Beulah Road, NE Vienna, VA 22180-3510 Phone: (703) 938-6521 Fax: (703) 281-1360 Web: www.holycomforter.com Deadline: Monday at 12:00 noon
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To organize efforts to support our parish family, we are using the